<p><strong>Housatonic Habitat Charity Comedy Show Featuring Adam Ferrara </strong></p><p><em>An Evening of Laughter for a Great Cause</em></p><p>Get ready for a night of comedy and compassion as <strong>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity</strong> hosts a <strong>Charity Comedy Show</strong> featuring the hilarious <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> on <strong>Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 PM</strong> at the <strong>Ridgefield Playhouse</strong>.</p><p>Presented by <strong>HamletHub</strong>, this special event combines entertainment with purpose—every dollar raised will benefit Housatonic Habitat for Humanity's mission to build affordable housing, offer free home repairs to seniors and veterans, and provide financial literacy programs to families within the local community.</p><p>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, operating entirely through local support. This means your contribution directly impacts hardworking families and individuals right here at home.</p><p>About Adam Ferrara</p><p>Known for his infectious humor and quick wit, <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> is an internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian and actor. With a comedy career that includes <em>Comedy Central Specials</em> and being named “Hilarious” by <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, Ferrara is guaranteed to have you in stitches.</p><p>Audiences may recognize Ferrara from his standout performances as Chief Needles Nelson in FX’s <em>Rescue Me</em>, Frank Verelli in Showtime's <em>Nurse Jackie</em>, or alongside Kevin James in <em>Paul Blart: Mall Cop</em>. He’s also been seen in <em>Law &amp; Order</em>, <em>The King of Queens</em>, and films like <em>Definitely, Maybe</em>.</p><p><strong>VIP Meet &amp; Greet</strong> options are available for those who’d like to meet Adam Ferrara after the show.</p><p>Your ticket not only promises an evening of non-stop laughs but also supports vital programs that help transform lives and strengthen the community.</p><p><strong>Don’t miss out on this meaningful night of entertainment. Purchase your tickets here:</strong></p><p><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/habitat-for-humanity-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase tickets</a>.</p><p>Come laugh with us and help Housatonic Habitat for Humanity make a lasting impact—one joke at a time!</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In a heartwarming feature on the Kelly Clarkson Show today, December 19, 2024, Ridgefield’s own Prospector shone brightly on a national stage. Celebrating its mission to employ adults with disabilities, the theater inspired millions as founder Valerie Jensen, shared the theater’s journey and purpose. </span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vidkAkfFYR8?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Dressed in a shimmering green gown, Val captivated viewers, recounting how her sister Hope, who has Down syndrome, inspired her to challenge the reality that 80% of people with disabilities in the U.S. are unemployed. "It’s so sad that so many doors remain shut for people with disabilities," Val said. Her vision for a better future began at a stoplight in Ridgefield, where she spotted a building slated for demolition. Imagining a space full of light, inclusivity, and opportunity, Val opened The Prospector Theater—a vibrant, one-of-a-kind movie theater that now employs 125 people, 75% of whom have disabilities.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Sweet Work</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As Val explained, Prospects—what employees are proudly called—handle every aspect of the theater's operations, from box office to gourmet popcorn production. Kelly Clarkson tried the theater’s celebrated popcorn, sampling Belgian Chocolate Toffee and Peppermint Bark, delighting in both the flavors and the jobs they represent. "This is sweet work!" Val proclaimed, highlighting how Prospector Popcorn is not just a snack but a means of empowerment for their team.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">During the episode, Kelly spotlighted the theater’s holiday tradition: The Sparkle Awards, described by Val as "The Academy Awards but better." Every holiday season, employees don their sparkliest attire to celebrate one another’s achievements, fostering camaraderie and joy.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Val issued a heartfelt call to action to employers nationwide: “Look to the incredible talent pool of people with disabilities in your community. They want to work, can work, and do a great sparkle job.”</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Stories of Transformation and Inspiration</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Two Prospects joined Val on the stage to share their stories.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">K Mann, who has worked at the theater for 10 years, said he thrives in his role, which spans concessions, popcorn-making, and ensuring teamwork among staff. Married to his wife Cindy, also a fellow Prospect, K Mann credited his job for contributing to his happiness and financial independence.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Stacy, a Prospect for three years, shared her motto: “Don’t let your disabilities define you; let your disabilities inspire you.” Stacy, who is visually impaired, is a Service Learning team member, engaging students in disability education. She is also the cheerful voice behind Prospector Theater’s popcorn jingle, which she performed to enthusiastic cheers.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Holiday Cheer and a $25,000 Surprise</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ryan, the Prospector’s Executive Director, delivered an emotional tribute, commending Val, K Mann, and Stacy for their work and resilience. “The Prospector is a movement,” he declared, emphasizing how the organization is breaking stereotypes and proving the value people with disabilities bring to society.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In a thrilling finale, Kelly announced that Kroger, a company committed to inclusivity, would be donating $25,000 to support The Prospector’s mission. An elf dashed onstage with an oversized check, drawing cheers, smiles, and tears of joy from the audience and Prospects alike.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Prospector’s feature closed out the hour-long episode in grand style, leaving viewers inspired by its sparkle-filled message.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Watch the Full Segment</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Relive the magic by watching the full episode on</span><a href="https://www.nbc.com/the-kelly-clarkson-show/video/white-christmas-by-jonathan-mcreynolds-kelly-clarkson-show-cameo-oke/ACCN492421899" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> The Kelly Clarkson Show</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit the Prospector at</span><a href="https://www.prospectortheater.org/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> prospectortheater.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> to learn more about its mission, popcorn, and ongoing efforts to change the world, one sparkle at a time.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Image courtesy The Prospector</span></p>

<p>Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in remembrance of the twenty children and six adults who were killed twelve years ago in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“The tragedy that occurred on this day twelve years ago is one of the most horrific and heartbreaking events in Connecticut history, and we owe it to those we lost, as well as their families and loved ones, to keep their memory alive by rededicating ourselves to being sources of love, healing, joy, and humanity, not just on this anniversary but every day,”&nbsp;<strong>Governor Lamont said.</strong> “I continue to pray for the survivors and the families and friends of those who were killed that they are blessed with peace and love. Our hearts will forever be with the twenty gentle young children and six courageous and devoted educators we lost on this day.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Connecticut Remembers</strong></p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Charlotte Bacon, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Daniel Barden, 7</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Olivia Engel, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Josephine Gay, 7</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Dylan Hockley, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Madeleine Hsu, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Catherine Hubbard, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Chase Kowalski, 7</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Jesse Lewis, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Ana Márquez-Greene, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">James Mattioli, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Grace McDonnell, 7</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Emilie Parker, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Jack Pinto, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Noah Pozner, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Caroline Previdi, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Jessica Rekos, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Avielle Richman, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Benjamin Wheeler, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Allison Wyatt, 6</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Rachel D'Avino, 29 (behavior therapist)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, 47 (principal)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Anne Marie Murphy, 52 (special education teacher)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Lauren Rousseau, 30 (teacher)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mary Sherlach, 56 (school psychologist)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Victoria Leigh Soto, 27 (teacher)</li></ul><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover the magic of the season by exploring Newtown's enchanting holiday light displays!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the Newtown Holiday Homes </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1043697552419753" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook group</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for the addresses and free map to the best-decorated homes in Newtown.&nbsp; Some have lights set to music!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Everyone is invited to show off their beautiful indoor tree by posting a photo.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s free to enter a house on the Holiday Light map. &nbsp; It’s our gift from the town to the town.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1043697552419753" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/group...</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You don't have to live in Newtown to join our Facebook group</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Governor Lamont Announces State Grants to Revitalize 21 Blighted Properties and Support Job Growth and Housing</strong></p><p>Governor Ned Lamont today announced the approval of $20 million in state grants to support the remediation and redevelopment of 21 blighted properties across 18 municipalities in Connecticut. Spanning 150 acres of contaminated land, these grants aim to transform long-vacant sites into thriving hubs for housing and economic growth.</p><p>The funding, provided through the <strong>Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program</strong>, is expected to leverage approximately $530 million in private investments. These efforts will facilitate the creation of 1,392 new housing units and foster the development of businesses.</p><p>“All of these blighted properties have been vacant for years when we should be using them to grow new businesses and support the development of badly needed housing,” said Governor Lamont. “This series of state grants enables us to partner with developers who will take these zombie properties and bring them back from the dead, cleaning up contaminated land and bringing life back to these neighborhoods.”</p><p><strong>Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe</strong> added: “Under Governor Lamont’s leadership, Connecticut continues to make impactful investments that build vibrancy, create jobs, and improve lives. These brownfield investments not only leverage significant private funding but also address one of our state’s most pressing needs—expanding quality housing.”</p><p><strong>Grant Details</strong></p><p><strong>Ansonia</strong>: $200,000 for environmental assessments at the former Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main Street.</p><p><strong>Canton</strong>: $200,000 for site assessments and planning at the former Collinsville Axe Factory, 19.3 acres at 10 Depot Street, aimed at housing development.</p><p><strong>Cornwall</strong>: $200,000 for redevelopment feasibility studies at 282 Kent Road, a 12.38 acre parcel for affordable housing.</p><p><strong>Cromwell</strong>: $3,000,000 for cleanup and redevelopment of the former Red Lion Hotel at 100 Berlin Road into a 254-unit mixed-use development.</p><p><strong>East Haven/New Haven</strong>: $200,000 for assessment of the 21.47 acre Coppola Metals Property, vacant and contaminated for over 20 years.</p><p><strong>Enfield</strong>: $4,000,000 for remediation at 33 North River Street to support a 160-unit multifamily residential and transit-oriented development.</p><p><strong>Hartford</strong>:</p><ul><li>$162,125 for assessment of eight properties across the city to support residential and community projects.</li><li>$987,000 for cleanup at 20 and 30 Trinity Street to enable a 104-unit mixed-income residential project.</li></ul><p><strong>Naugatuck</strong>: $1,375,000 for remediation at a city-owned parking lot at 0 Maple Street, paving the way for 60 housing units and commercial space.</p><p><strong>New Haven</strong>: $186,000 for assessments at 71 and 89 Shelton Avenue to attract redevelopment opportunities.</p><p><strong>Newtown</strong>: $610,000 for hazardous material abatement at the Fairfield Hills Campus for future commercial and Parks and Recreation use.</p><p><strong>Norwich</strong>: $1,857,370 for stabilization and cleanup of the Mason House at 68 Thermos Avenue, expanding community mental health services.</p><p><strong>Stamford</strong>: $950,000 for soil remediation at 39 Woodland Avenue to support a 714-unit mixed-use development.</p><p><strong>Stonington</strong>: $4,000,000 for cleanup of the mill property at 21 Pawcatuck Avenue to enable a 51-unit apartment project.</p><p><strong>Torrington</strong>:</p><ul><li>$200,000 for site assessments on 21.5 acres along the Naugatuck Riverfront.</li><li>$200,000 for assessment of the Yankee Pedlar Inn to position it for redevelopment.</li></ul><p><strong>Waterbury</strong>:</p><ul><li>$550,000 for remediation at 9 and 15 Branch Street to support a Police Activity League splash pad and playground.</li><li>$150,320 for assessment of the William V. Begg Building at 1106 Bank Street, with plans for affordable housing.</li></ul><p><strong>West Hartford</strong>: $660,096 for cleanup at a 1.83 site for a 49-unit mixed-income apartment project.</p><p><strong>Winchester</strong>: $200,000 for assessment of 9.49 acres at 41 and 3 Meadow Street, targeting adaptive reuse for small manufacturing.</p><p><strong>Windham</strong>: $200,000 for assessment of the former Kramer Building site at 322 Prospect Street for adaptive reuse options.</p><p><br></p>

<p>Join us at the Newtown Community Center for our 4th Annual Sip ‘n Shop event! We will have shopping vendors, wine, beer and spirits tastings and ordering, delicious food available for purchase as well as music, raffles, silent auctions and more! Grab your friends and come on down!</p><p>The VIP sneak peak hour is back this year which includes early entrance sneak preview, specialty cocktail, light hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and more!</p><p>This event is for people 21 years of age and older.</p><ul><li>Where: The Newtown Community Center</li><li>When: Friday, December 6, 2024</li><li>Time: 5:45pm-7:00pm - For VIP Ticket Holders Only</li><li>7:00pm-9:30pm - General Admission</li></ul><p>Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-n-shop-2024-tickets-1022648588457" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>